Crisis support: daily package alongside the decision unit

Situations calling for crisis support

• An established crisis unit must choose each day between several options, under time constraints.
• Decisions follow one another without an up-to-date register or running log.
• Messages intended for stakeholders lack consistency from one contact person to another.
• Established facts and uncertainties become mixed in the unit’s exchanges.
• A crisis consultation (C-17) has qualified the situation, and the unit is seeking methodical support during the critical days.

Process

1. Crisis support is activated on written request, following a crisis consultation (C-17). Failing that, a qualification of the situation is charged to the first day.
2. Each day, an opening situation briefing and a closing briefing take place by videoconference. These synchronous sessions last 30 minutes.
3. ASKonsult then supports the keeping of the decision register and the running log, using kit P-21. This work continues asynchronously on the secure space.
4. The preparation of the options submitted to the unit distinguishes established facts, uncertainties, deadlines and expected effects. The unit then decides in full knowledge of these elements.
5. ASKonsult also reviews the messages intended for stakeholders, in order to check their consistency against matrix P-23.
6. A daily record then summarises the decisions, open points and deadlines. It feeds the up-to-date register.
7. Finally, a closing note concludes the support. It directs the next steps towards the lessons-learned review.

Deliverable

The deliverable first comprises the decision register, kept up to date throughout the support. It then comprises the daily records of decisions, open points and deadlines. Finally, a closing note concludes the support and points towards the lessons-learned review. The records follow each day of support, while the closing note comes at the end of the committed period. No document leaves the firm without a final review.

Prerequisites

Crisis support requires a designated crisis unit and a contact person with decision-making authority. The unit transmits the facts, formal documents and messages received via the secure space. These elements form the basis for preparing the options and reviewing the messages. The client is responsible for their accuracy and completeness.

Frequently asked questions

How is the duration of the support determined?

The support is based on a daily package. The commitment covers a period of 1 to 5 working days, renewable. A 3-working-day package is also available. Each day covers the period from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with two situation briefings by videoconference. The duration of the commitment thus follows the critical days of the crisis, without permanent on-call cover.

How is the support activated?

Activation takes place on the working day following the written request. This activation within seven days constitutes immediate performance, without a right of withdrawal. It follows a crisis consultation (C-17), which qualifies the situation. Failing that, a qualification is charged to the first day of support. In both cases, the crisis unit must already exist and have a contact person with decision-making authority.

Does the support cover nights and weekends?

No. The support covers working days, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night, weekend or public holiday on-call cover falls outside the scope. Indeed, ASKonsult’s overall arrangement excludes any permanent on-call cover. Furthermore, on-site presence is not part of the daily package; it is subject to a separate quote.

Does the support replace the crisis unit?

No. Crisis support contributes to keeping the register, prepares the options and reviews the messages. However, the decision belongs to the unit, which remains the sole decision-maker. Likewise, the spokesperson role and media relations remain outside the arrangement. The support is a obligation of means and carries no guarantee as to the outcome of the crisis.

How does ASKonsult handle the elements transmitted?

The facts, formal documents and messages received circulate exclusively via the secure space. ASKonsult treats this information as confidential and uses it solely for the purposes of the support. Furthermore, this obligation survives the end of the relationship. The client is bound by the same obligation with regard to non-public documents provided during the support.

What comes after the support?

At the end of the support, the closing note points towards the Lessons-learned review after a crisis package (K-12). The Crisis management plan package (K-11) is another possible next step. When the need becomes recurrent, the Executive subscription (A-03) provides regular support. In addition, the business difficulties consultation (C-18) addresses a related subject.

Out of scope

The package includes no night, weekend or public holiday on-call cover. On-site presence is subject to a separate quote. The spokesperson role and media relations also fall outside the arrangement. Furthermore, the support never involves deciding in place of the unit. Finally, representation before an authority or a court and the drafting of procedural documents fall to an authorised professional.